Bottle cap or closure



Oct. 4, 1927, 1,643,964

- J, STlRlSS I BOTTLE CAP OR CLOSURE Filed Nov. 26, 1926 4 [NI EA TOR.

A T RNEYS.

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Patented Oct. 4, 1927.

v UNITED STATES 1,643,964 PATENT OFFICE.

JACOB STIRISS, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR TO THE LARVEX CORPORATION, OF BROOKLYN NEW YORK, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

BOTTLE oAr on CLOSURE.

Application filed November 26, 1926. Serial No. 150,720.

This invention is a bottle cap and closure, and, more particularly, one adapted to detachably cooperate with a bottle neck having integrally formed radially extending ln s.

Caps of this character are generally stamped from sheet metal and the more common types are provided with inwardly bent spring fingers or flanges adapted to underlie the lugs of the bottle to retain the cap in place thereon. My experience with caps of this character, however, has demonstrated that inwardly bent spring tongues are not dependable, especially when a closure is desired that can be repeatedly attached and detached. In practice, the tongues soon become bent and fail to properly hold the cap tightly in position.

Capstructures have also been suggested wherein helical ribs and bayonet joints are pressed into the skirt of the cap to provide engaging means for the lugs of the bottle. These expedients, however, have not met with favor for the reason that it is practicallyimpossible to thus shape the parts for proper repetitive cooperation With the lugs.

With the foregoing considerations in mind, I have departed from all prior practice in this art and produced a cap which is free from the inherent'weaknesses of the finger and flange constructions and the inefiicient gripping action of the helical flange and bayonet joint structures. The cap of this invention is simple in construction, will endure through long periods of repetitive use, and will grip the bottle tightly to form a tight seal and to preclude inadvertent displacement of the cap.

An important feature of this invention consists in making the skirt of the cap of two distinct diameters; that is to say, al-

ternate segmental portions of the cap are of difi'erent diameters. The smaller segmental portions are of a diameter to snugly fit the neck of the bottle, while the larger segmental portions are sufliciently extensive to embrace the lugs of such neck. In other words, the alternate segmental portions of the cap skirt are of sufficient diameter to fit over the lugs whereas the intermediate segmental portions of the skirt are reentrant to such-extent as to cause them to closely The free provide a finished edge and reinforce the cap and between the top and bottom of the skirt the reentrant portions are circumferentially slotted. These slots are slightly inclined and one end of each of them extends into the contiguous portion of the cap which is of the greater diameter.

This structure allows the cap to be lowered over the neck of a bottle with the lugs occupying the segmental portions of the larger diameter. When the cap is thus seated it may thereupon be rotated to cause the slots to move into cooperation with the lugs of the bottle neck. The lower inclined edges of the slots will then coact with the under abutments of the lugs to draw the cap firmly to its seat. Durin this operation, the reentrant; portions will hug the neck of the bottle directly below the lugs and slipping of the said edges off of the lugs in an outward radial direction is efficiently precluded. A tight repetitive seal is thus effected.

Features of the invention, other than those adverted to, will be apparent from the hereinafter detailed description and claims, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The accompanying drawings illustrate difierent practical embodiments of the invention, but the constructions therein shown are to be understood as illustrative, only, and not as defining the limits of the invention.

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a cap embodylng the present invention.

Figure 2 is a side elevation of a cap showing the same secured to a bottle neck.

Figure 3 is an underneath plan view of the cap removed from the bottle.

Figure 4 is a section on the line 44 of Figure 1 and showing the cap in place on a bottle neck which is also shown in section.

Figures 5 and 6 are sections on the line 66 of Figure 2. The former of these figures shows the cap loosely positioned on the bottle. The latter fi ure shows the cap turned into its tight sealing position; and,

Figure 7 is a central section of a modified form of invention.

Referring to the drawings, 1 designates a cap generally. It is stamped up from sheet metal to form a shell, which, in the form of Fi ures 1 to 6, embodies a closed flat top and a depending skirt having an open bottom. The bottom edge of the skirt is circular and is returned or rolled upon itself,

as shown at 2, to form a reinforcing flange or ring and to provide a finished edge. That portion of the skirt above the ring 2 is formed on two distinct diameters. That is to say, the segmental portions 3 are of greater diameter than the intermediate segmental portions 4. In other words, the portions 4 may be referred to as reentrant POI'tlOIlS,

5 designates the neck of a bottle with which the cap is adapted to cooperate. This neck is provided near its top with a plurality of radially extending lugs 6, which, in practice, are preferably so constructed that their under side abut-merits 7 will be substantially flat, as best shown in Figure 4. These abutments, in order to properly draw from the mold, generally have a slight inclination and where they join the neck of the bottle there must be a slight fillet, but, for the best results, the said fillet should be as small as possible and the abutment faces 7 should be as fiat as possible. Three lugs 6 are shown on the neck of the bottle, and, accordingly, the cap is provided with a corresponding number of the larger segments 3 and a like number of the interposed smaller segments 4-.

The interior radius of the cap at the larger segments is equal to or slightly greater than the radius of the neck of the bottle at and including the projecting lugs 6', while the interior. radius of the smaller segments L is equal to or slightly greater than the radius of the neck of the bottle directly below the abutments 7.

The skirt of the cap is formed, so that it will be circumferentially continuous. That is to say, theskirt is formed so that the larger and smaller sections join one another in smooth and even'curves, as shown best in Figures 5 'and 6.

In order to cooperate with the lugs 6, each of the re-entrant portions is provided with a circumferential slot 8, at least one end of which extends into one of the larger contiguous segments 3, as clearly shown at 8 in Flgures 2, 5 and 6. As shown in these figures, the portion 8 of each slot extends into one of the segments 3 to a point of its greatest radius and this is important in the present invention for theireasons presently explained. Moreover, the lower edge 9 of each slot 8 is slightly inclined in an upward direction from the portion 8, as best shown in Figure 2.

This arrangement allows the capto be lowered over the neck of the bottle, until it seats on the top of the neck and when it comes to rest, it will embrace the upper portlon of the neck of the bottle with the lugs 6 housed within and embraced by the segmental portions 3, as shown in full lines in Figure 5. It will be noted from" this figure that just sufficient clearance is provided to permit the cap to be readily brought into this position without binding.

Inasmuch as the portlons 8" of the slots may be turned anticlockwise), so that the lugs 6 will traverse the portions 8 of the slots and enter the slots 8 which are formed in the re-entrant portions 4. The dotted lines in Figure 5 show the lugs moved partly into the slots. During this operation, the abutments 7 will, in due course, engage the inclined edges9 at the bottom of the slots which, upon further rotation of the cap, will cause the cap to'be drawn to a tight seat over the mouth of the bottle neck. In practice, a suitable gasket 10 is positioned within the capkto form a tight seal with the top of the nec When the cap is thus rotated to force it to a tight seat, it is precluded from overtravel by engagement of the rear end 11 03 each slot with the corresponding lug 6. as shown in Figures 2 and 6, so that it is not possible in the construction of this invention to turn the cap so far that it will be moved beyond its position of tightest seal. In fact, the maximum sealing force will be exerted when the edges II are in engagement with the contiguous edges of the lugs 6.

A careful analysis of the mode of operation of the cap in forming the seal shows that it embodies a high degree of mechanical efficiency. For example, it will be apparent from Figures 4 and 5, that those parts 4* of the re-entrant portions directly below the slots will closely hug the neck of the bottle, so that the edges 9 engage with the lug abutments 7 at the base of the lugs. There will thus be relatively little tendency of the cap to flex radially outward to disengage the lower edges of the slots from these lugs. Furthermore, the lower edges 9 of the slots are substantially flatin a radial direction and this fact, of itself, minimizes the tendency of outward radial slippage with respect to the lugs. These flat clamping surfaces are almost impossible to obtain by embossing or bending operations, such as have been common under the prior practice in the formation of embossed ba onet slots or bent in flan es, Inasmuch as the sealing stresses are applied to the lugs directly adj aoent the neck of the bottle, there will be little possibility of breaking off the lugs as there is pract1- cally n0 leverage at this point of engagement. The portions 4 of the skirt and reinforcing flange or ring 2 cooperate to impart strength to the free edge of the skirt, and, as will be apparent-from Figure 4, fully reinforce-the inclined edges 9 of the slots.

These edges may be slightly stressed in a downward direction, as the cap is forced into sealing position, so that the parts of the reentrant portions which carry these inclined edges will be under tension, when the cap is in sealing position, but the reinforcing ring mation.

The novel contour of the body of the cap forms a convenient grip which permits the cap to be readily grasped and rotated into the desired position.

The cap which I have thus far described is adapted for general application as a closure for receptacles provided with lugs of the character specified. However, I may associate with the cap further novel features which adapt itto be used in conjunction with receptacles having associated there-- with pump atomizers and other analogous discharge mechanism. A novel form of cap embodying the present invention and adapted to this purpose is shown in central section in Figure 7.

The cap shown in Figure 7 is provided at its top with a coaxial boss 12. This boss may, if desired, be formed separate from the cap 'and secured thereto by any suitable means, but I find it highlv advantageous to form the boss integral with the cap in the novel mannershown. As here illustrated, the boss 12 is shown as produced by a drawing or stamping operation. It is substantially cylindrical in configuration and joins the top of the cap proper in a sweeping curve or bead 13, which will permitof slight tilting movement of the boss under stresses imparted thereto by the operation of a pump or other mechanism without fracturing the cap at the line of union between the cap and the boss. As shown, there is no distinct line of union, but the sweeping curve used in lieu thereof embodies more or less inherent resiliency when stressed and constitutes a yieldable union.

The free end of the boss is flanged inwardly as shown at 14 to provide a suitable bearing for a pump cylinder and to form a finished edge. Any suitable pump may be associated with this boss and it is found in practice that the lateral stresses imposed on the boss during the operations of the pump will not cause fracturing or distortion of the cap. I do not wish it understood that the invention, as shown in Figure 7, is limited to use on receptacles employing atomizers, since, if desired, the boss 12 may serve merely as a discharge outlet and may be exteriorly threaded or otherwise to receive a supplemental screw cap.

' It will be apparent from the foregoing detailed description that the closure of the present invention embodies a shell having a depending skirt which is divided circumferentially into segmental portions. of two different diameters, these portions alternat ing throughout the circumference of the skirt. The larger segmental portions permit the closure to be lowered over the mouth of the receptacle while the circumferentially disposed inclined slots function .to

draw the closure tightly over the mouth of the receptacle when the closure is rotated to cause the lugs to traverse said slots. The closure may be economically manufactured by the use of suitable dies, is simple in construction and may be repetitively used for indefinite periods without distortion. The accompanying drawings show the invention in its preferred practical forms, but the invention is to be understood as fully commensurate with the appended claims.

Having thus fully described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A closure embodying a metal shell formed with a skirt, segmental portions of which are alternately of different diameters, the larger of which is sufliciently great to embrace the lugs of a cooperating receptacle, and the smaller of which is of a size to closely fit the receptacle directly beneath said lugs, and the segmental portions of the smaller diameter being provided, in spaced relation to the lower edge of the skirt, with circumferentially disposed slots. at least one end of each of which extends into the adjacent segmental portion of the larger diameter.

2. A closure embodying a metal shell, the free edge of which is provided with a reinforcing flange, segmental portions of the side Wall of the shell being alternately of different diameters, the larger of which is sufficiently great to embrace the lugs of a cooperating receptacle and the smaller of which is of a size to closely fit the receptacle directly beneath said lugs, and the segmental portions of the smaller diameter being pro- Vided with circumferentially disposed slots at least one end of each of which extends into the contiguous segmental section of the larger diameter.

3. A closure embodying a metal shell, the free edge of which is circular and is returned upon itself to provide a reinforcing ring, segmental portions of the side wall of the shell above the ring being alternately of different diameters, the larger of which is sulficiently great to embrace the lugs of a cooperating receptacle and the smaller of which is of a size to closely fit 'the receptacle directly beneath said lugs, and the segmental portions of the smaller diameter being provided with circumferentially disposed slots, one end of each of which extends into the contiguous segmental section of the larger diameter.

4. A closure embodying a metal shell formed with a skirt, segmental portions of which are alternately of different diameters,

the largest of which is sufliciently great to embrace the lugs of a cooperatin receptacle and the smaller of which is o a size to closely fit the receptacle directly beneath 7 said lugs, said smaller Segmental portions being provided with circumferentially disp sed inclined slots at least one end of each of which extends into the adjacent segment of the larger diameter a suflicient distance to permit a lug to enter said slot without radial binding, said slots being positioned in spaced relation to the lower edge of the skirt and said lower edge of the skirt being returned upon itselfto form a reinforcing flange.

6. A closure embodying a metal shell formed with a top portion having a peripherally disposed depending skirt, the lower free edge of which is circular and is returned upon itself to form a reinforcing ring, that portion of the skirt between the reinforcing ring and the top portion being shaped to form segmental portions of two different diameters alternately arranged in circumferential sequence about the skirt, each of the 3 smaller segmental portions being provided with a circumferentially disposed inclined slot positioned substantially midway of the depth of the skirt and one end of which terminates at one end of the smaller segmental portion in which it is formed while the other end terminates in the next adjacent segmental portion of the larger diameter.

7. A closure embodying a sheet metal shell formed with a top portion having a peripherally disposed depending skirt, the lower free edge of which is returned upon itself to provide a reinforcing ring, said skirt, above the ring, being formed to rovide segmental nately of different diameters, the larger of which is sufficiently great to embrace the lugs of the cooperating receptacle and the smaller of which is of a size to closely fit the receptacle directly beneath said lugs, and the segmental portions of the smaller diameter being provided with circumferentially disposed slots, at least one end of each of which extends into the adjacent segmental portion of the larger diameter, and a hollow boss formed integral with and extending upwardly from the top portion of thecap and integrally united with said top portion by an annular head of curvilinear cross section.

8. A closure embodying a sheet metal shell formed with a skirt provided with means for engaging a receptacle to mount the closure thereon, said shell bein provided at its top with an upstanding tu%ular boss formed integral with the shell and the base of which is connected to the top of the shell by an integral annular bead of curvilinear cross section providing a yieldable union between the shell and boss.

9. A closure embodyin a sheet metal shell, the central portion 0 the to of which is upwardly drawn to form a tu ular boss, the base of which joins the to of the shell in an exteriorly concave annu ar bead providing a yieldable connection between the boss and the top of the shell.

10. A closure embodying a sheet metal shell, the central portion of the to of which is upwardly drawn to form a tu ular boss, the base of which joins the top of the shell in an exteriorly concave annular bead providing a ieldable connection between the boss and t 1e top of the shell, and the u per free edge of the boss being in-turned to orm a finished edge.

In testimony whereof I have signed the foregoing specification.

JAcoB s'rnuss.

portions which are a ter- 

